VRAM flaps are favored over other types for vaginal reconstruction.

2004 MAR 4 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- VRAM flaps are favored over other types for vaginal reconstruction.

According to recent research published in the journal Annals of Plastic Surgery, "this study compares the outcome of Singapore flap, vertical rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap (VRAM), and gracilis musculocutaneous flap vaginal reconstruction. A retrospective review of 99 consecutive patients with complete vaginal defects was conducted at the Mayo Clinic from January 1988 to October 2001. All possible complications were determined for each of the three reconstructive techniques, along with the effects of radiation and smoking on the respective complication rates."

"Preoperative and postoperative sexual function and adequacy were compared between each group. Ninety-nine patients ranging in age from 19 to 80 years (mean, 51.6 years) were compared, with a mean follow-up of 28.9 months. Forty-one VRAM, 13 gracilis, and 45 modified Singapore flaps were used for vaginal reconstruction. The majority was due to acquired vaginal defects due to recurrent pelvic malignancy," reported W.J. Casey and colleagues, Mayo Clinic, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

"The overall complication rate was lower following VRAM than either gracilis or Singapore flap reconstructions (13/41, 31.7%; 8/13, 61.5%; and 21/45, 46.7%, respectively). The flap specific complication rate was least in the VRAM group (9/41, ...